Effect of sago palm waste compost and SP-36 fertilizer against the availability of P, P uptake and growth of corn (Zea mays L.) in ultisols

Abstract The objectives of this research are: assessing the sago palm waste which processed as an organic fertilizer, improving Ultisol soil fertility, explaining the increase in soil acidity and nutrient availability of P of Ultisol soil, and increasing the uptake of P and growth of Corn (Zea mays L ). The research was conducted in laboratory of soil, water and plants analysis, and in Faperta Unpatti greenhouse, Ambon, from March - November 2010. This study used a complete factorial randomized design pattern with 2 factors: the maturity of sago palm waste compost and the phosphate fertilizer (SP-36). The result of this research showed that application of Sago Palm Waste Compost independently increase the soil pH and plant stem diameter growth of corn. Likewise SP-36 fertilizer independently can increase stem diameter growth of corn. Provision of sago palm waste compost together with SP-36 can increase the P-available in soil from 15,40 to 30,80 ppm. Provision of sago palm waste compost together with SP-36 can increase P-uptake of plant from 0,07% to 0,15%, corn plant height grow is from 96,23 cm to 140,60 cm. Provision of sago palm mature waste compost in 4 weeks with a dose of 180 kg phosphate fertilizer ha-1 can increase P-uptake of plant of 0,15% and plant height of 140,60 cm.